Benicia Magazine July 2018

New food trucks & other yummy items at Benicia Farmers Market

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JULY

VOLUME 13 ISSUE 9

DEPARTMENTS 8 From the Editor

Currents 16 A nine-point framework for a successful first home purchase 18 Wacky good fun & quirky vehicles at Mare Island’s annual Obtainium Cup 20 Out and about: exploring small town charm in Fairfax, California

The Dish 20

12 Sweet and savory new offerings at Benicia Farmers Market

12

Art This Month 24 Benicia Plein Air Gallery’s featured artist is our cover painter MaryLou Carreia 24 Milinda Perry Gallery hosts artist Cherry Moore’s prints and acrylics on canvas 25 Benicia Library Gallery features photography by Michel Guido

Calendar

14

26 The best events in Benicia and around the Bay

FEATURES 10

14

This month’s signature downtown events: fireworks, parade and waterfront fest Vintage finds just part of the experience at TreasureFest and Alameda Point

Trends 27 The Metropolitan Museum of Art showcases Heavenly fashion

Live Music 28 Music lineup at area venues COVER: Carneros Bike Ride, by MaryLou Carreia, courtesy of the artist Photos, clockwise from top left: Fairfax, CA, Upper Crust Baking Co., Alameda Point Vintage Faire

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FROM THE EDITOR

July 2018 Nothing screams “quintessential American summer” like the month of July. While Independence Day celebrations kicks off a litany of activities in Benicia and around the Bay, there are numerous other ways to get outdoors this month and indulge in a nearby fair or festival. Mare Island’s Obtainium Cup comes to mind; a quirky race of themed, embellished bicycles. Also on my list to try: the Berkeley Kite Festival.

For hyperlocal events, the busy crew at Benicia Main Street rolls out the welcome mat for its three big signature events—Benicia’s famous July 3rd Torchlight Parade, spanning back decades beyond count and drawing in tourists; the annual Picnic in the Park and Fireworks July 4; and the Benicia Waterfront Festival. Peruse the Calendar for this month’s other area events and entertainments. Also in this issue, Courtney Tait writes about new vendors at the farmers market, and vendors like Upper Crust Baking Company, who have returned each season for many years.

On my next visit to the market, I’m heading straight to Rose Lane Farm for pickled vegetables and raw honey, then on to Europa Crepes to sample both sweet and savory options, and finish up with fresh flowers and produce.

Lisa Duncan Photography

Tweet, post or send your suggestions & ideas to: Editor@beniciamagazine.com Beniciamagazine.com Facebook.com/ beniciamagazine @Jeannesteinmann beniciamagazine

In Trends, Christina Strawbridge continues to bring the world to us through her travels—this edition features her visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination exhibit—which is right up Christina’s alley. Vintage and antiques lovers should check out our story on Treasure Island’s TreasureFest, which is more a festival with live music and food than a serious hunt for a prized antique, and if you haven’t been yet, the Alameda Point Antiques Faire never disappoints. I have a house full of what I call treasure boxes—small vintage finds to display and hold trinkets, office supplies—whatever— that I have scored in my many early morning trips. And if you are missing our monthly Interview, Sue Sumner Moore will resume the column some time this fall. Let us know if you would like to see a worthy Benician interviewed in 2019.

July’s weather is generally perfect for getting outside and trying something new; a wonderful month for exploring the many outdoor happenings around the Bay.

See you at the farmers market, —Jeanne

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Big

July Events

KEEP DOWNTOWN HOPPING

By Tomoka Red St. Johns When Benicians line up for the Torchlight Parade or gather for family picnics at City Park, they’ll be keeping traditions that began more than a century ago.

The Torchlight Parade dates to the late 1800s to early 1900s back when real torches provided illumination in the dark. Few worried about fires; the volunteer fire department was in charge. That version fell in and out of favor, returning for good in the 1970s in anticipation of the nation’s bicentennial.

The revival brought changes. Instead of at dark, the Torchlight Parade started in the afternoon. Unlike most Independence Day parades, the Torchlight Parade takes place July 3. The Fourth of July is reserved for the Picnic in the Park and fireworks. This year’s parade will start at 6:30pm July 3 on First Street at D Street and proceed along First Street to Benicia City Park at First Street and Military.

There, entries will be judged, said Deborah Housman, event coordinator.

Spectators will see bands, dance groups and other participants this year. Awards also are available for floats, drum and bell corps, drill teams, majorettes, color guards, automobiles, novelty entries and mounted units. The American Legion Honor Guard, made up of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Sons of the Legion and the organizations’ auxiliaries also will participate, as will the Napa-Solano Veteran Riders motorcycle organization, made up of veterans and associate members who ride in support of veteran issues.

First Street will be closed by 1pm July 3, Housman said. “As a courtesy to First Street businesses, parade enthusiasts are reminded that chairs should not be placed along the parade route until after 9 in the morning on July 3.” She said that for safety’s sake, people shouldn’t tape or tie chairs together, and they should be placed far enough away from the curb to allow people to get in and out of their cars during the day. Once the parade starts, Housman cautioned, “Do not run out in the middle of the parade!”

Dave Horn is the emcee this year, and the entries will be judged by the Pacific Coast Judges Association. The next day, Benicians start congregating at noon at Benicia City Park, where they’ll be entertained by performers.

They also can browse an open-air market. Plenty of children’s activities are offered through 7pm. Then it’s time for fireworks, which will fill the sky with sound and color starting about 9pm July 4 at the foot of First Street.

Information on these events is on the Benicia Main Street website, beniciamainstreet.org/benicia-events/annual.

Later in July, Benicia Waterfront Festival will attract thousands to the end of First Street. This edition of the festival has been going on for six years, although an earlier version took place from 1994 to 2006.

“It’s a family-friendly event, and lawn chairs are okay to bring. Just no pets,” Housman said. Food and drinks are allowed inside the event boundaries, she said, adding that the festival is a two-day celebration of Benicia’s picturesque waterfront locale and the First Street Green.

Visitors will sample craft beers or have wine by the glass, obtain tasty foods, shop at the vendor village and watch their children have fun at Activity Alley. Highwater Blues, TinMan, Divalicious, House of Floyd, West Grand Boulevard and Tortilla Soup will provide musical entertainment throughout the two days.

The Benicia Waterfront Festival will take place from 11am to 6pm July 28-29. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for those 65 and older and $15 for an adult weekend pass. Children younger than 12 will be admitted free with a paid adult admission. Tickets are available online at eventbrite.com/e/beniciawaterfront-festival-2018-tickets-42434579971.

Those interested may visit beniciamainstreet.org and its social media pages, facebook.com/beniciamainst and on twitter, @beniciamainst.

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THE DISH

Must-visit Vendors at Benicia’s Farmers Market

By Courtney Tait Lisa Duncan Photography From April to October on lower First Street, Thursday evenings take on a magical quality.

Local residents chat with each other, unrushed, in the glow of golden light. The Carquinez Strait sparkles beyond beautiful heritage buildings.

And rows of vendors greet curious passersby with smiles—and plenty of tasty samples.

Now in its 26th year, the Benicia Farmers Market is a central element of what makes this city special. If you attend frequently, you know that many of the businesses are as loyal to the market as you are; some have been setting up shop each week for years. Here, we’re highlighting four family-run vendors who provide Benicians with fresh, delicious food throughout the market season. If you haven’t tried them yet, bring your appetite downtown this summer and indulge.

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ROSE LANE FARM

When Vince and Penny Granberg bought their five-acre property in Knightsen 30 years ago, they didn’t have a plan for the land; they simply knew they wanted to grow things.

“Neither of us were farmers,” says Penny, “but I learned canning from my grandma when I was a little girl, and always enjoyed food preservation.”

What began as an effort to provide fruit for their family members turned into a full-fledged farm, complete with 375 orchard trees, 40 kinds of heirloom tomatoes, acres of almonds, walnuts, and pecans, 80-plus bee hives, and a variety of vegetables, herbs, and flowers—including 100 rose bushes.

At the Rose Lane booth, you’ll find Vince, who is happy to chat about the products on offer. Items differ from week to week, but you can likely choose from jars of raw honey, homemade jams (with unique flavors like spiced pear and cherry berry), a variety of pickles, canned fruits, dried and fresh herbs, salsa, pasta sauce, and honey-spiced almonds. (And don’t forget to grab a bouquet of cottage garden flowers!)

For Penny, the magic of growing things never fades. “You put a little seed in the ground, and six weeks later it’s a viable plant, and six months later you get these big 2 lb tomatoes off of it,” she says. “It’s exciting.”

JULIE'S ROASTED CORN & POTATOES

When you pass by Benicia market-goers digging into potatoes piled with cheese, sour cream, green onions, jalapenos, and crumbled bacon, you might think it’s the toppings that make this item so popular. But the real key is their cooking method: a roaster. “They’re dry-heat baked potatoes,” says Hortencia Lizaola, who owns Julie’s Roasted Corn & Potatoes with her husband Humberto. “That makes them fluff y, not sticky like the steamed ones.”

The couple have been serving their roasted goods at the market since 2004, garnering fans who return each season.

“We’re one of the oldest there,” says Hortencia, “almost like a landmark.”

The business is named after the Lizaola’s youngest daughter, Julie, who was born premature, weighing just three pounds.

(Today she serves customers alongside her family.) When Hortencia developed health issues in the years after Julie’s birth, she had to stop working. The family started Julie’s Roasted Corn & Potatoes to make ends meet, and it was a hit.

The corn is roasted with the husk on, a method that brings out its natural flavors. Enjoy it plain or add butter (unsalted), grated cotija (a Mexican cheese), or mayonnaise. Warning: once you’ve tried these dishes, Thursdays may bring on a craving for more. Don’t fight it.

THE UPPER CRUST BAKING CO EUROPA CREPES

The batter comes from an authentic French recipe. The family is from Greece. And their crepes are the best new addition to the market.

Sotiria Trembois and her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Antonis and Angela Giakoumis, have been in the businesses of making crepes for more than 20 years, serving them at farmers markets and catering events. But this is Europa’s first season in Benicia, and they offer around 20 crepes, each made with fresh ingredients from California markets.

“We love to cook and make people happy,” says Sotiria.

While the menu features plenty of sweet options, like nutella mixed fruit (with strawberries and bananas) and lemon (a squeeze of fresh lemon with powdered sugar and butter), their savory options are an opportunity to try something new.

The California comes with turkey, egg, avocado and fresh tomato, and the Vegetarian has spinach, artichoke hearts, tomatoes, sundried tomatoes and feta (you can also add avocado and mushrooms). Not to mention the crepe with bacon, egg, cheese and avocado. Sotiria calls these dinner crepes, and is quick to point out that they can be followed up with a sweet one for dessert. Note: Nutella can be added to anything.

Bread lovers: Have you stopped by the Upper Crust Baking Co. booth? This is a company that won a national award for their birdseed loaf. They bake challah and honey whole wheat and Jewish deli rye (for starters). And they make a salted rosemary loaf that literally stops people in their tracks. “When we sample the salted rosemary at markets, people taste it, stop, turn around, and ask, “what is that you just gave me?” says owner Lorin Kalisky. “It stands out.”

Based in Davis, the baking company was started by Trudy and Mo Kalisky, Lorin’s parents, in the mid-1980s. Their goods can be found at more than 40 farmers markets (they have been part of the Benicia market for several years) and they source 85% of their ingredients locally. The family has long had a love for France and its baking traditions, making for a unique Jewish-French hybrid of items.

On the sweet side, there’s traditional French apple tart (with a sugar-cookie crust); four varieties of oatmeal cookies; and a New York cheesecake called OMG Cheesecake. It’s the same cheesecake that was served at New York’s famous Carnegie Deli. “Bakeries have this traditional place in society that is very connected and woven into the fabric of a community,” says Lorin. “Farmers markets allow us to do that in a way that makes sense in the modern world.”

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Antiques & Vintage Fairs Offer Much More Than Shopping

By Jeanne Steinmann For many of us, adding to a collection, scoring a great deal, or just looking for inspiration, a fantastic vintage find is just part of the experience at two local events.

The sheer drama of the locations of two Bay Area vintage and antiques fairs, plus the extras the venues offer, make them well worth the trip.

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ALAMEDA POINT ANTIQUES FAIRE On Alameda Island, the Alameda Point Antiques Faire is a wonderful place to spend half a Sunday, whether you love antiquing or not. The setting is quite dramatic, on the airstrip of the former Alameda naval base. It offers spectacular, close up views of the Port of Oakland and across the Bay to the San Francisco skyline.

While poking around vendor booths, you can watch shipping containers at the port being moved around by giant cranes, each time with a BOOM as they are set down somewhere else. The charm of it all grabs me every time.

Food trucks line the fences, with everything from specialty coffee to delicious multicultural fare.

The faire is known as one of the best antiques fairs in the country, with visitors coming from around the world (about 10,000 folks per event). With 800 booths offering a huge range of vintage and antique home decorations, clothing, furniture, jewelry, art, books and collectibles, it’s hard to not go home with a special find. In my many trips there, I’ve scored furniture, pickle jars, art books, glass doorknobs, old boxes, cashmere sweaters, French grain sacks and more.

The Faire is in its 12th year, held first Sundays of each month, 6am-3pm. Entry costs vary but parking is free, and there’s a parking lot shuttle plus a free flat cart for larger objects. Many folks pull their own carts but shopping carts can be rented for about $5. No pets.

Alamedapointantiquesfaire.com 510.522.7500 First Sunday of the month, year-round GPS Navigation Address: 2900 Navy Way (at Main Street), Alameda $5, $10 & $15 depending on arrival time

TREASUREFEST Who doesn’t love combining shopping with delicious food, libations and live music?

There’s more to do here than search for flea market finds. Recently rebranded after six years in business, the Treasure Island Flea on Treasure Island is now TreasureFest, a full-on weekend event: “A locally curated Bay Area festival,” according to the website.

Market vendors are juried, then whittled down to less than half the number of applicants, which include 25+ food trucks, live bands and lots of shopping, including vintage finds. With monthly themes (July 28 & 29 is Hawaii), promoters of this open-air market search out up-and-coming local artisans of all kinds to exhibit at another impressive location on the Bay. With today’s traffic hassles on major freeways heading to the wine country or Tahoe, the Treasure Island location offers an alternative with breathtaking views of both the East Bay and San Francisco, that remind us why we live here.

Shopping includes 400 vendors: designers, artists, makers, collectors, crafters and food startups. In addition, the festival offers fun for the whole family, including pets, with a kid zone, carnival games and scavenger hunts.

For adults, there are three bars serving local wine, seasonal cocktails and craft beers.

Billed as Norcal’s largest monthly festival, at TreasureFest there really is something for everyone.

Treasurefest.com 415.898.0245 Last weekend of the month May-Nov Pier 1, Treasure Island, San Francisco $5 General Entry, kids under 12 free Free parking, pet friendly Courtesy photos: pg. 14, courtesy Alameda Point Antiques Faire; this page, TreasureFest

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CURRENTS

By Eric Hoglund, Estey Real Estate The best way to ensure your first home purchase is successful and relatively stress free, is to approach it methodically. Below I detail nine essentials to use as a framework—there are always additional steps that are specific to your transaction or area—but these steps are STEP 1: Take some

STEP 1

time to research and choose the best realtor you can to represent you in the search for your first home. Ask friends and family for referrals, read online reviews and interview the agent. Ask as many questions as you can about the real estate process, local information on the communities of interest, and ask for recommendations on lenders your agent likes to work with.

Build a relationship with the agent and tell them your likes, dislikes, needs and wants. The more info you provide, the better equipped he or she is to help you.

STEP 2

STEP 2: After getting recommendations, begin a similar STEP 3: Don’t be STEP 4: Know your process with a lender. too hung up on the budget and mortgage These folks will want interest rate. Yes, payment comfort to pull your credit, interest rates are level. Don’t forget you etc., so be selective going up, and yes have to pay principle, with whom you give there are some slight interest, taxes and your most sensitive differences between insurance, and information. Be honest lenders’ products. also be able with the lender—tell STEP The most to set some them exactly how important thing to funds aside 4 you hope to make remember is that a for repairs or the deal happen and mortgage is a 15, maintenance. then listen to their 20 or 30-year It’s common to feel suggestions as commitment stretched when you STEP to a plan to make and home purchase, but you 3 it work. They may prices are going should never let tell you that you need up too, so by waiting someone talk you into to save for a bigger for the perfect rate buying a home you down payment or you might miss out cannot afford. If this is reserves; they may on the perfect house. your first home, it may even ask you to clean Keep the big picture or may not be your up credit issues. Good in mind. A decade forever home. Buy the lenders will give you ago a 6% interest rate best home you can a road map to repair was fantastic, years realistically afford. your credit or debt to from now it will be a income ratio. It may great rate again. Get take a few months the best rate you can, or even years to but more importantly, make it happen, pick the lender that but trust the will close the deal. process.

STEP

STEP 5: Look a

pluses and minu of your chosen neighborhood.

Even if you do n have school age children, how d schools measur up? Do homes i the area appea be well maintain Drive through th area during the day, at night, on weekend: do yo feel uncomforta or concerned b activity you obs Ask your agent resale value and anything that m happening in th future that migh make the home more, or less, desirable.

5

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applicable to any purchase. Don’t worry too much about the timeline. You may have days, weeks or even months between steps here, but keep your eye on the prize and you will get there.

STEP 9: Do not

STEP 7: Now you

STEP 5: Look at the

luses and minuses f your chosen eighborhood. ven if you do not ave school age hildren, how do the chools measure p? Do homes in he area appear to e well maintained?

Drive through the rea during the ay, at night, on the weekend: do you eel uncomfortable r concerned by the ctivity you observe?

Ask your agent about esale value and nything that may be appening in the uture that might make the home more, or less, esirable.

have found the home you want to offer on. Do not get too attached! I know this is easier said than done, but the market is tight now and you may not get that home. I assure you, if you stick to this plan, you will find the right house.

STEP 6: Plan on

staying in this home for at least 3 to 5 years. This will give you time to gain equity, and when you sell you will be responsible for paying real estate commissions, so be sure you want to be there long enough to recoup those costs.

STEP 7

STEP 6

STEP 8

STEP 8: Get as many inspections as you can: whole house inspection, pest, roof, chimney, septic or sewer … whatever the home may need. The money you spend on these inspections will pay for them. They may highlight STEP a reason NOT 9 to purchase the home, or they may provide a workbook for you to use as a guide for future improvement and maintenance. Pay for these inspections outside of escrow to avoid issues with the lender’s underwriter wanting to review the reports as a condition of giving you the loan. Inspectors are paid to find things wrong.

Be sure to meet with them and go over the report. If you just read it without their expertise and input, it may appear that the home is a lemon. They will help you understand the differences between common maintenance issues and major problems that may need immediate attention.

make any major purchases or move funds around in your portfolio during the escrow period. This is a sure-fire way to throw a wrench in the lending process. If you want to buy the TV for the living room wall, wait until you close escrow. Ensure there are no credit inquiries on your record, so no new credit cards or lines of credit.

If you are getting gift funds or need to sell some stock to make your down payment, be sure to ask your lender to give you detailed instructions as to how to document these funds and follow the directions exactly.

Stay focused on your goals and ask for help from trusted advisors along the way, and you will find success even in a very tough seller’s market.

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CURRENTS

“… … many of the assembled vehicles are made up of found and recycled things, or 'obtanium' …”

Photos: This page & page 19 by S.N. Jacobson/Obtainium Works

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Combines Whimsy and Competition

By Tomoka Red St. Johns An oddball race, that’s as much about the whimsical as it is about the competition, returns to Mare Island in July. It’s called the Obtainium Cup, so named because many of the assembled vehicles are made up of found and recycled things, or “obtainium.”

Past entries have ranged from blinking cats to teacups to a submarine straight out of Jules Verne’s imagination.

But this vessel runs on land. “We also will be opening the event to all types of contraptions, powered wheelchairs, electric bikes, pedal-powered bikes and small gaspowered contraptions,” said Kathleen O’Hare.

O’Hare, also known as Lady Impetuous, is the logistics expert for Obtainium Works, the innovative art studio that built the Neverwas Haul, a self-propelled three-story Victorian House that is 75 percent recycled materials, and has been displayed at several Burning Man events. This year, the studio’s creations are appearing on Jay Leno’s Garage and Battlebots, the fighting robot show.

Studio leader is Shannon O’Hare (Major Catastrophe), whose experience as a theatrical prop maker and set designer guides adults and children into new, creative opportunities. “We will have a number of children’s art vehicles,” said O’Hare. Youngsters will operate Morty the Tree, the Submarine, the Robot and the studio’s newest piece, Libby the Dragon. Libby is Benicia’s featured entry, made

by Liberty High School Students guided by Arts Benicia.

The race is more than a bunch of quirky vehicles tackling a Mare Island road course. Entrants face obstacles. Not blockades. Not rough roads. That would be easy.

Instead, the impediments are zombies, flying toy monkeys, mad hatters and robots. Drivers must dodge the

incoming monkeys. But the shuffling zombie horde wants brains for dinner, and competitors must decide whether to employ speed or deceit to outwit the walking dead. “The Obtainium Cub began in 2012 after our competition at the Grand Kinetic Championship in Arcata in 2011,” said O’Hare.

“We thought that Mare Island would be a perfect setting, due to the beauty of the Shoreline Heritage Preserve, length of streets and lack of topographical challenges— hills, sand dunes, water—and lack of traffic.”

The first edition attracted just six vehicles, making the race “more of a photo shoot than a real rally,” she said.

But those who entered found both the race and the art studio appealing. They became what O’Hare called “long standing crew members” as well as dedicated competitors.

“Since then, we have added challenges, average about 30 contestants and welcome around 800 spectators,” she said. “The festival at Alden Park has also expanded, and includes Steampunk vendors, food trucks, a beer garden and entertainment in the bandstand.”

Steampunk? It’s a variety of Victorian speculative fiction based on such writers as Verne and H.G. Wells. It’s grown into a genre with a fan following of its own. The Bay Area has its own Steampunk convention, Clockwork Alchemy.

Aficionados wear 1800s attire with goggles and gearbased accessories.

“For the past three years, we also have joined the Art Car Jam on the Obtainium weekend,” said O’Hare. The Art Car Jam is for unusual street-legal vehicles, and will take place from 11am to 6pm Saturday, July 21, on the 500 block of Pennsylvania St., Vallejo. O’Hare said the studio is contemplating a bicycle rodeo, at which children will learn bicycle safety and could win a bicycle.

The Obtainium Cup will run from 11am to 6pm Sunday, July 22, starting at Alden Park, 8th Street, Mare Island, Vallejo. Walnut Avenue between Vino Godfather at Kansas Street and the Chapel will be closed. All challenges will be within walking distance of Alden Park.

Those curious about the rally and the studio may visit www.obtainiumworks.net.

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CURRENTS

IN FAIRFAX, CA

By Beth Steinmann For Benicians looking for an off-the-beaten-path half-day or day trip, Fairfax, CA is a gem of a small town in Marin County, nestled between the green hills beneath Mount Tam, about 15 minutes west of the 101 freeway. With a population of only 7,500 and ordinances against chain stores, the town, which was incorporated in 1931 but settled in the 1800s, retains its unique historical charm. According to town-of-fairfax.org, “the Art Deco era movie theater is the centerpiece of a vibrant nightlife with top-notch restaurants and well-known clubs with venues for jazz and other popular music.”

Fairfax’s historical heritage also involves one-time popularity with the Grateful Dead and their followers, highlighted by a mid-1960’s softball game between the Dead

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Lisa Duncan Photography

and Jefferson Airplane at the downtown baseball field. Today, its demographics include the highest number of green party voters in the San Francisco Bay Area, as well as avid hikers mountain bikers.

The Fairfax website touts the town as a hiking and biking Mecca, surrounded by committed open space and a nature preserve, with miles of hiking trails on all sides.

Visitors enjoy the bucolic setting tucked away from urban activity, world-class eateries, smalltown charm and surprisingly happening nightlife. If you plan a day-trip, stop by the Good Earth Natural Foods on your way into town for daily specials prepared in their own kitchen, which includes organic sandwiches, taqueria, pizza, salad bar & hot bar, soup, stew and chowder, and deli case specials.

Take your food to go and head to the reservoirs above town for a picnic and walk around Lake Lagunitas, or try out one of 37 hiking trails. If you’re feeling more low-key, eat your lunch in downtown’s Bolinas Park, which has a lovely grassy area in front and a small stand of redwoods in back. Then take in the shops downtown and stop in the tiny ice cream store, The Scoop, which makes 100 rotating flavors of

all-organic ice cream using Strauss Family Creamery cream base and locally sourced ingredients. Be prepared for lines out the door.

If you’re sticking around for dinner, Iron Springs Brewery has the highest-quality pub-grub around.

If you’re craving aromatic spices, Café Lotus has world-class, authentic, organic Indian dining with gluten-free options. Set behind the main drag against a backdrop of trees, with mystical lighting, Sorella Caffe’s seafood and traditional Italian fare will make you feel like you’re lost in Italy.

For the best nightlife, take in a show at the movie theater or go to Peri’s Bar (where the locals hang out) or 19 Broadway for live music and drinks.

Both venues book acts most nights of the week.

Peri’s features seasonal music on the patio Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons, and 19 Broadway features music in genres ranging from “dance-hall and roots to blues, funk, rock, soul, Americana and jazz, and a diverse range of international, regional and local artists.”

And if you want to soak up the community vibe, Fairfax has the most adorable seasonal Farmer’s Market in Bolinas Park, Wednesdays 4-8pm.

BeniciaMagazine.com • 21

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ART THIS MONTH

Colors of Joy

by MaryLou Correia at Plein Air Gallery

Shape, Color & Strong Graphics in Artists’ Paintings

Staff writer An exhibition at the Benicia Plein Air Gallery will feature paintings of Benicia and the greater Bay Area by artist MaryLou Correia. Small paintings created in oil and pastel pigment, inspired by the creatures Correia met while traveling through the Amazon and Galapagos, will be on view this month.

"Mindful of the changing environment, I relish the little surprises I encounter along the painting way, encouraged to think that maybe my appreciation for painting the living earth might spark joy and appreciation in others,” says Correia.

“I venture out with a destination in mind, carrying different sizes of canvasses to capture the moment when the sky swirls with organic shaped clouds, or the late light presenting a kaleidoscope of colors and shadows.

Correia’s inspiration for painting comes from “Observing nature and man’s gentle intrusion into it—the angular slope of an old barn, reflections in a quiet stream, the changing of light of a pastoral scene,” she

said. “Influenced by the Impressionists’ use of brilliant, sensuous layers of color, I observe the grace and beauty of nature to capture a vignette in time.”

Classically trained, Correia received her bachelor’s degree at Syracuse University, followed by graduate work at the California College of the Arts. After an early career teaching art at Salinas High School and Monterey Penninsula College, she worked as Director of Publication for Saint Mary’s College in Moraga. Correia has exhibited throughout the Bay Area and nationally, including at the Oil Painters of America Annual Show in Washington D.C. “Painting is my way of cherishing nature, says Correia. “For me, the adventure is the process of painting, the meditative, absorbing challenge of capturing changing light and color. In the fall, I was at Larry’s Produce in Fairfield, painting in the flower fields with a fellow artist, and she said, ‘Aren't we lucky.’ ” Photo: Ojai Valley by MaryLou Correia

Benicia Plein Air Gallery

307 First Street, Benicia Hours: Thurs-Sun Noon to 6pm Artist Reception: July 14, 3-6pm beniciapleinair.com.

By Donna Covey Beginning July 1st, Benicia artist Cherry Moore will delight Benicia residents with her abstract expressionist paintings in an upcoming solo exhibit at Milinda Perry Gallery.

The exhibit will include paintings that are bold with a strong graphic feel in both shape and color. There is also a sense of calm within her work. Cherry uses a variety of materials and instruments to add texture to the images she creates, including cut bristles from a hairbrush sprinkled on the surface to randomly emboss the paper. Her work is predominantly printmaking on paper and acrylic on canvas.

Cherry will tell you, “I find mixing delicious colors part of the pleasure and excitement of painting. Imagining shapes and

24 • Benicia Magazine Art This Month

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s

“Each work holds a story and some emotion that I won’t often see until it’s finished and I am naming it.”

Featured Photographs

by French artist Michel Guido

–Cherry Moore, artist

colors is where the development of a piece begins and goes through many stages, but once the colors come together, the piece moves forward in its own way.”

Cherry Moore was born in San Mateo, California and lives in Benicia. She originally studied ceramics; however, for the last 10 years her focus has been encaustic painting and printmaking. She has exhibited her works in Northern California, primarily showing on the San Francisco Peninsula and in the East Bay. Cherry is a member Gallery 621 in Benicia.

Please join Cherry and Milinda Perry at an artist reception at Milinda Perry Gallery, 117 East F Street on Friday, July 20, 5-7pm Above left: A Divide; right A Break In Time, courtesy of artist Cherry Moore

Staff writer The Marilyn Citron O’Rourke Gallery at the Benicia Public Library will feature photographs by Michel Guido, who resides in France. The library exhibit, Tour de France, is his first gallery showing.

His photographs will be on view July 10-August 9, and he will give a slideshow July 21 to talk about his work. Receiving his first camera at age 14 sparked Michel’s passion for photography.

I received my first camera when I was 14 and it was a Kodak. My passion for photography began.

“At 17, I had the idea of traveling and capturing the world using a combination

of photos and text to illustrate the story, said Michel. “However, the more practical career and more oriented to my studies of mathematics, science and the English language was air traffic controller.” After 30 years in the French Air Force, Michel made an enthusiastic return to photography. “The humanist photographer is a witness that unites the photo with the text. My guides include Eugene Atget, Robert Doisneau, Brassi, Robert Capa, Walter Evans, Dorthea Lange and Willie Ronis. In my way I try to follow their legacy,” he said.

Photo courtesy of Michel Guido

Tour de France Exhibit

July 10-August 9 Slideshow by artist July 21 Marilyn Citron O’Rourke Gallery Benicia Public Library, 150 East L Street Benicialibrary.org, 707.746.4343 BeniciaMagazine.com • 25

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JULY EVENTS L’Amico Fritz

by Pietro Mascagni 7/1-8, times vary Bay Terrace Theater 51 Daniels Ave, Vallejo This whimsical nineteenth-century romance tells the tale of a wealthy landowner who bets he will never marry, wagering his vineyard to his best friend. When Suzel, the daughter of Fritz’s tenant, arrives on scene, things become much more complicated for the bachelor.

The idyllic spring air and floral scents of the cherry blossoms inspire the famous and beautiful Cherry Blossom duet that ensues.

Verismoopera.org Torchlight Parade 7/3, 6:30pm First Street at Military West Benicia’s Annual Independence Day parade is the highlight of the year. It begins at Military West and stretches along First Street and includes dancers, floats, clowns, and fabulous entertainment.

Beniciamainstreet.org 707.745.9791 Picnic in the Park & Fireworks 7/4, 10am-2pm Benicia City Park First & Military Streets This event is a wonderful way to spend the 4th! Benicia’s City Park at First & Military West Streets is filled with arts and crafts, delicious hot food, live entertainment and children’s activities. Fireworks start about 9pm at the foot of First Street; a great event for the whole family.

Beniciamainstreet.org 707.745.9791

Benicia Certified Farmer’s Market 7/5, 12, 19, 26 First Street from B to D Streets Benicia Benicia Certified Farmers Market offers fresh fruit & vegetables, baked goods, gourmet food, delicious hot foods, arts & crafts, live entertainment, and face painting. Beniciamainstreet.org 707.745.9791

Summer Show: Circus of Smiles 7/10, 10am Benicia City Gym 180 East L Street, Benicia Join Andrew Quick and Mr. Mustache on a comical circus adventure. These incredible performers defy the very laws of nature as they juggle, flip, compete for your attention, transform into a variety of characters and make unbelievable catches. Is there anything they can't juggle? $2 per child. Please arrive 15 minutes before the show.

Ci.benicia.ca.us/pcs 707.746.4285 Benicia Art Walk 7/14, 2-7pm First Street, Benicia Celebrate Benicia Art Walk 2018 second Saturdays in June, July, September & October on First Street in downtown Benicia. Come for lunch or stay for dinner and tour eight amazing galleries that host the fun with art, live entertainment, small sips and other activities.

Look for the blue banners or follow the 2018 Benicia Art Walk Map. Visitbenicia.org/arts/visual-artscrafts/

Artist Reception for Mary Lou Correia 7/14, 3-6pm Benicia Plein Air Gallery 307 First Street, Benicia The public is invited to attend a reception for Benicia Plein Air Gallery’s July featured artist, MaryLou Correia, on Saturday, July 14, 3-6pm. The gallery show runs Jul. 5-Aug. 1, and includes paintings in oil and pastel pigment, of Benicia, the Bay Area and paintings of the creatures she saw traveling the Amazon & Galapagos.

Beniciapleinairgallery.com White Camel Trash to Treasure Vintage Sale 7/15, 9am-3pm Benicia Historical Muesum 2060 Camel Road, Benicia The Benicia Historical Museum will sponsor this annual event at the air-conditioned Camel Barn Hall.

Plenty of parking will be available for vendors and customers alike.

Come shop antiques and look for vintage treasures from local antiques dealers.

Beniciahistoricalmuseum.org 707.745.5435 Obtanium Cup 7/22, 11am-6pm Alden Park 8th between Railroad and Walnut Mare Island, Vallejo The Obtainium Cup Contraptor’s Rally is a free festival featuring motorized and pedal powered art vehicles, including disability scooters, held on Mare Island.

There’s a Steampunk Festival with vendors & food trucks, entertainment in the Rotunda at Alden Park, and vehicle rally at 3pm. New this year, all “challenges” will be held along Walnut Avenue, in Alden Park and Chapel Park, and will be within walking distance. Perfect for individuals and families.

Facebook.com/ events/197983940854841

ARC Youth Fest: A For-youth, By-youth Art & Culture Festival 7/28, all day Frank Ogawa Plaza and Latham Square, Oakland Elite artist Bobby Arte collaborates with ARC Oakland to build the ARC Youth Fest, the only large-scale youth art walk and cultural street fair. It is put together for youth by youth to educate, enlighten and inspire artists and showcase youth artists in a competitive, fun, safe environment that promotes healthy living, engages attendees and awards scholarships and prizes.

Free for students and those who bring a food donation.

Arcyouthfest.com Benicia Waterfront Festival 7/28 & 29, 11am-6pm First & B Streets, Benicia The popular summer event is back with a splash! Benicia celebrates its picturesque waterfront locale with two days of live music, craft beer tastings, tasty foods, vendor village, and kids’ activity area. For tickets and info, contact Benicia Main Street.

Beniciamainstreet.org 707.745.9791 Berkeley Kite Festival 7/28 & 29 Berkeley Marina 201 University Ave, Berkeley Make a free kite or buy one at the 30th annual Berkeley Kite Festival, where the earth, wind, and sky combine to create an unequaled festival experience. Highlights include music, food, kids’ zone and kite-flying demonstrations at Berkeley Marina, with a free shuttle from the parking lot at Golden Gate Fields.

Highlinekites.com/pages/ BERKELEY-KITE-FEST.html 510.235.KITE

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Heavenly Bodies2 Photos and story by Christina Strawbridge I was brought up in Catholicism, while attending Catholic schools from kindergarten to college. Going to Mass nearly every Sunday, I never thought about the Catholic Church’s influence on fashion.

My long-time friend Jeanne, who owns stores in the Midwest, invited me to join her in New York City for Mother’s Day. The added plus was that I would get to spend the day with my son Christopher. By a remarkable fashion coincidence, the Metropolitan Museum of Art had just unveiled the exhibit Heavenly Bodies Fashion and the Catholic Imagination.

The media buildup began with the Met Gala, the annual fundraiser for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute, with this year’s dress code, “Sunday’s Best.” As celebrities and fashion icons climb the museum’s carpeted steps, they vie for the most over-the-top design. Rihanna, who never disappoints, arrived with a modern female poplike ensemble complete with a pearl beaded miter. Sarah Jessica Parker wore what looked like a tabernacle on her head, and Katy Perry used a Rolls Royce convertible dressed as an angel for her entrance.

Jeanne (also Catholic) and I began Mother’s Day with Mass at St. Malachy near Times Square. Known as the actor’s church, due to its proximity to the theatre district and its liturgy schedule that is coordinated with Broadway plays, it has served the acting community for decades.

Douglas Fairbanks married Joan Crawford there, and in 1926, thousands jammed West 49th Street in front of the church in final tribute to Rudolph Valentino.

On our way to brunch we stopped at Duane Reade, a New York pharmacy, to kill time and play in the cosmetics

area. We were left alone to try on lipstick and gel soles, giggling about how ridiculous it was for two grown women to have so much fun in a drug store.

We met Christopher for a sumptuous brunch at Beauty and Essex, a super-trendy restaurant on the Lower East Side, and then headed uptown to the Met. Waiting in a light rain, we imagined the fashion crowd climbing the dramatic stairs for the gala that had happened just a few nights before. By the time we got to the massive entrance we were a bit soggy, but enthused at what we were about to see.

This groundbreaking exhibit incorporates The Costume Institute, the Met’s Department of Medieval and the Cloisters, within the museum. It also represents the first collaboration between the Vatican and the Costume Institute. The power of the exhibit hits you right away, as a spiritual and fashion experience with a mix of iconic fashion designs presented with Papal vestments, religious statues and over-the-top presentations.

Most of the featured designers were raised Roman Catholic, and although many are not practicing the religion, its influence is striking. The Versace collections of gold mesh dresses and tunics use the cross as a decorative element, inspired by the Byzantine era. Floating dress forms with Versace designs are the first stop in a maze of fashion and religious wonder. Besides crosses, there were Madonna references with crowned or haloed headpieces, such as Dolce & Gabbana’s 2013 wedding ensemble, next to statues of Mother and Child.

The day was a heavenly combination of fashion, food, friendship and motherhood, and inspiration from Catholicism. Who knew?

TRENDS

July BenMag Vol13 v9.indd 27

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JULY LIVE MUSIC Empress Theatre

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Lucca Beer Garden 707.745.3749, 439 1st Street, Benicia Luccabar.com No Cover Charge

July 5, 5:30pm – 8pm July 6, 5:30pm – 8pm July 7, 1pm – 3:30pm July 7, 5:30pm – 8pm July 8, 2pm – 5pm July 12, 5:30pm – 8pm July 13, 5:30pm – 8pm July 14, 1pm – 3:30pm July 14, 5:30pm – 8pm July 15, 2pm – 5pm July 19, 5:30pm – 8pm July 20, 5:30pm – 8pm July 21, 1pm – 3:30pm July 21, 5:30pm – 8pm July 22, 2pm – 5pm July 26, 5:30pm – 8pm July 27, 5:30pm – 8pm July 28, 1pm – 3:30pm July 28, 5:30pm – 8pm July 29, 2pm – 5pm

The FOXCATCHERS are Jeff Tamelier & Christopher Cole The Voltones (Dave Harris) Bizzy Lewis Dan DeShara An Afternoon of Irish Music w/Vince Wolfe, Lewis Santer & Friends TBA The New Frantics Dave Andre Big Jangle Unplugged Acoustic with the Porch PIrates The KillBillies Holmes Music Collective w/Mike Ruy Eric Eckstein Fog City Swampers Unplugged Acoustic w/Chris Ahlamn JimBo Trout Don Bassey & Friends feat. James Nash, Erik Schramm & Jeff Campitelli John Paul Hodge Midnight Flyer Unplugged Acoustic w/ Cashmere Woods

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Silly Song Sing-Along w/Celia Ramsay & Calvaleigh Rasmussen Free with Reservation Hip Spanic Allstars $16 ADV/$20 Door Hills to Hollers w/Barbara Higbie, Laurie Lewis & Linda Tillery $30 ADV/$34 Door Fanna-Fi-Allah $18 ADV/$22 Door Tribu Baharu $20 ADV/$24 Door Monterey County High School All-Star Band $12 ADV/$16 Door Niyaz feat. Azam Ali $32 ADV/$36 Door Korean Men feat. Lee Heemoon & Prelude $30 ADV/$34 Door Shasta Strings Celebration $26 ADV/$30 Door Margaret Belton’s Tribute to Patsy Cline $20 ADV/$24 Door Huun-Huur-Tu $28 ADV/$32 Door Pepino D’Agostino in Concert $20 ADV/$24 Door KML Goes to the State Fair (Killing My Lobster) $18ADV/$22 Door Bill Kirchen & the Hounds of Bakersfield $24 ADV/$28 Door Tyminski $30 ADV/$34 Door Shawn Mullins $22 ADV/$26 Door Joe Rut $16 ADV/$20 Door Marcia Bell $32 ADV/$36 Door IFE $26 ADV/$30 Door Deva Mahal $24 ADV/$28 Door Ethan Ostrow Trio: A Cancer Benefit $35 ADV/$40 Door

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ALAIN PINEL REALTORS 1646 N. California Blvd., Suite 101, Walnut Creek, CA 94596

llewis@apr.com License #00908045

O 925.627.3096 C 707.567.5016

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist No. 97517

1350 Hayes Street, Suite A33 Benicia, CA 94510

(707) 980-3331

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Angie’s List Super Service Award 2016

Are you using more energy than your neighbors and friends?

Be Energy Efficient NOW Save $$ on utility bills—your one stop home improvement dealer!

• HVAC • Leaky house • Solar

620 First Street Benicia

• Windows • Insulation • Tankless water heaters

2156 First Street, Livermore

707.746.7565

Don’t miss out!

Rebates from $1,000 to $5,500.

Music · Science · Art

Gifts For The Mental Explorer

(Limited time offer on qualifying equipment, product

s & in specific areas, call for details)

mozarteinsteinme.com

1768 Broadway Vallejo, CA 94589

707-645-0734 Lic# 719381

BM

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

“It was a pleasure to work with AQCC throughout our kitchen remodel. We didn't know quite where to begin when it came time to choose a functional and attractive kitchen style and design. Trevor and Taylor were very knowledgeable and helpful in their suggestions and design layout. We couldn't be happier ... not only with the quality and functionality of our kitchen but also the beauty. We truly love our kitchen, it's the very best part of our home! We highly recommend AQCC and we're truly thankful!”

— Nick and Kim Raven

Open Mon. - Fri. 9-5

weekends & evenings by appointment 4852 East 2nd Street, Benicia

AFFORDABLE QUALITY Cabinets and Countertops

707-745-2100 aqchome.com Introducing the new owners Trevor Cotarelo and Taylor Kennedy

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