Benicia Magazine June 2016

June 2016

Benicia's Mark Barnum, tugboat captain, escorts big ships into port

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COMMUNITY NEWS Need additional copies? Contact the Community Relations office: Valero Benicia Refinery, 3400 East Second Street, Benicia CA 94510

707-745-7534 June 2016

Valero Volunteers Celebrate Service at the Museum As part of a weeklong focus on volunteering dubbed “Celebrate Service,” employees of the Valero Benicia Refinery recently tackled several community projects. One of the biggest undertakings was a major weed abatement effort at the Benicia Historical Museum at the Camel Barns.

“I can't tell you how grateful we are for Valero's help with our weed whacking enterprise,” said Elizabeth d’Huart, executive director at the Museum. “The grounds went from sad and neglected to military-like kempt!”

The museum’s longtime groundskeeper, Chuck Pregeant, passed away unexpectedly late last year, leading to a backlog of work. He had been with the museum for more than ten years.

Lead Accounting Specialist Kevin Mihm led the team of Valero Volunteer Council (VVC) members armed with weed trimmers and an assortment of tools. The ten volunteers donated a combined 22 hours of time.

Other volunteers included: Chris Kane, Domingo Delgadillo, Paula Alba Green, Greg Imazu, David Le, Kate Li, Mike Miller, Dave Redenbaugh, and Josh Schmidt.

Volunteering is part of the culture at Valero year-round. Last year, Valero volunteers donated 138,000 hours resulting in an estimated economic impact of $3.2 million in the communities where employees live and work.

Other Celebrate Service projects included: Diaper Drive – 2,700 diapers for Bay Area Crisis Nursery and SafeQuest Solano Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano in Concord and Fairfield – sorting food Adopt-a-Street Program – the quarterly clean-up of East 2nd St. Humane Society of the North Bay – “workers” for Barkitecture Auction & Gala Photos: Executive Director Elizabeth d’Huart and project leader Kevin Mihm survey the recent weed abatement results at the museum, thanks to the 10-person Valero Volunteer Council crew.

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Benicia Magazine

Benicia

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Celebrating our 11th Year

Benicia Editor Jeanne Steinmann

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Graphic Design Margaret Bowles

Web Specialist Yarrow Sweningsen

Benicia

Contributors Bob Ecker magazine Elizabeth d’Huart Adriene Rockwell Sarah Rohrs Beth Steinmann Christina Strawbridge Sue Sumner-Moore Charles Young, Ph. D.

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Photographers Jerry Bowles Malcolm Slight

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

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

VOLUME 11 ISSUE 7

16 FEATURES

16 Olive oil tasting, food,

music, wine and more at tiny Mankas Corner

18 Bike, hike, swim: a three part series on summer offerings

20 Measure S facilities

bond brings upgrades to Benicia schools

DEPARTMENTS 10 From the Editor 12

Currents Highlighting Benicia's scenic beauty from above

14

Bio Mark Barnum, Bay Area waterways tugboat captain

14

Backwards Glance In the 1900s butter was big business in Benicia!

22 Interview The wheels keep turning for downtown merchant Greg Andrada 24 Trends Scott and Christina Strawbridge take a spontaneous biplane ride 26 Downtown Map 28 Calendar of Events The best events in Benicia and around the Bay Cover: The Delta Blue tugboat on Benicia's waterfront, photo by Jerry Bowles. Courtesy photos: Above left, Suisun Vallejo Wine Cooperative, right, Il Fiorello Olive Oil Company

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From the Editor June 2016

It Takes a Village

Diane and Peter Laughton

While writing this missive in early May, Diane and Peter Laughton, a vivacious couple, stopped in to introduce themselves. I was working on July stories, and had just concluded a conversation with Lois Requist, who is writing an article for the July issue about aging dynamically (her words), with the support of the Carquinez Village project. The project’s feasibility study has concluded and is about to become a reality, offering vital resources to folks ages 60 and up, as well as a social network that they may need to age in their own homes.

Peter had been commuting from England to work here two weeks each month, fell in love with Benicia, and the couple decided to live here part time. Their primary residence is in Yeldon, a tiny village near London, and they spoke of the small town spirit of each place. What many U.S. towns are trying to achieve through village projects such as the Carquinez Village, exists naturally in Yeldon. The Laughton’s point to large-scale, all-inclusive potluck dinners and a big annual festival that really does take a village to produce, as ways to keep residents connected to each other.

The very next day I had a call from Allan Lemone, long time resident and owner of Affordable Quality Cabinets and Countertops, relating an experience that also underscored community. An avid cyclist, over the past month Allan has observed a woman decked out in “upscale exercise gear,” picking up trash on and around East Second Street. When he most recently saw the mystery woman, Allan stopped to ask if he could help, taking her full bags to dispose of at his shop. He thanked her and donated additional bags to her cause. It’s our people who make Benicia special, and attract folks like the Laughtons, who have made Benicia their second home, over 5,000 miles away.

Speaking of community pride, our schools are always top of mind. I’ve had numerous conversations with young families who moved here for that reason, and in 2014, we voted yes to a facilities bond to give aging buildings an update. Recent bond expenditures include safety features, new playgrounds and more, with others on the horizon including a long awaited redo of the BHS track and field complex. In this issue Dr. Charles Young, BUSD Superintendent, writes a guest article on 21st century learning spaces and the district’s Facilities Master Plan. You’ll also enjoy our feature on Benicia’s increased bikeability and how cycling has improved over the years, especially for women, and Bob Ecker’s piece on Mankas Corner including its history and fun things to do there now.

Benicia is Mike’s and my adopted home of 33 years, and the longer we live here the more we appreciate its amenities and strong sense of community identity.

Back in the early 1980s it was a sleepy little burb with few services, but has transformed itself into a coveted place to live for residents that span the age gamut.

—Jeanne Steinmann

Subscribe! Call 707.853.5226 or go to beniciamagazine.com.

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

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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

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First Day of School is August 23

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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

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

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beniciaunified.org BeniciaMagazine.com • 11

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Benicia’s Scenic Beauty

Captured by Recent Drone Video

By Sarah Rohrs Benicia can be considered from many angles, and has great views from its hillside homes, but a drone video offers a view some might never have. That view is from overhead, a bird’s eye view, which captures First Street, the State Capitol, kites on the Marina Green, boats in the Carquinez Strait—and a beautiful sunset. All that and more is captured in the city’s tourism drone video called “Benicia, A Great Day by the Bay.” The 2-minute film has garnered nearly 13,000 views on YouTube since it aired in late 2015. Its purpose is to show Benicia from a different angle and to showcase its beauty while still highlighting its friendly nature, said city economic development specialist Teri Davena.

Davena got the idea for the tourism project as she and her husband walked their dog at the Benicia Marina one day last year. She saw a man filming with a drone and thought an overhead view of Benicia’s assets would be a great tourism tool. With an okay from her boss, Davena tracked down the filmmaker, Danny Zapeda of Benicia who works at Valero Refinery as an electrical engineer and does drone photography through his firm, Rotor Optics. Formally known as an “unmanned aerial vehicle,” a drone is a small aircraft that can either be controlled remotely or through computer software. Zapeda also made a drone video of the Benicia Jazz Cup. As Davena planned the film, she found the project soon infused with Benicia’s strong community spirit as many offered to take part in something to promote the city.

“Everybody loves this town and they were so thrilled to help,” she said. Watch the film closely and there’s evidence of that. Benicia Bicycle Club members can be seen pedaling past the Yacht Club. One of those cyclists is Mayor Elizabeth Patterson, Davena said. As the camera pans past waterfront condominiums, Deputy City Clerk Kate Gibbs can be spotted waving from a window. Later, kites from Benicia Kite and Paddle are spotted at the Marina Green. Meanwhile, on First Street, Studio 41 owner Leah Perry Shelhorn can be seen sweeping in front of Studio 41, her art gift shop, before she stops and waves.

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The film is meant to track a typical day in Benicia. It starts in the east at sunrise and concludes with a spectacular sunset. No filters were used and none of the shots were altered, Davena said. Filming took place over three days in July 2015. The project cost about $4,000 of general fund money designated for tourism in the city’s economic development budget. It is currently shown on YouTube, and on the city’s tourism website, VisitBenicia.org.

It’s also on Facebook and Twitter. Davena said it’s been shared and forwarded many times. The number of YouTube views of the film indicates the number of devices used to watch it, not the actual times it’s been played.

This method gives a more accurate count of how many people have actually seen it, Davena said. Overall, she said the film has been well received. “Benicians love their town and they love to share this video,” she said, adding she hopes the footage will help spread the word to others who are looking for a scenic and friendly place to spend the day. To watch the drone video visit youtube.com/watch?v=MSg7mG8mam4&t or go to visitbenicia.org and click the link on the home page.

CURRENT S

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BIO

“About 90% of everything that passes through your hands has been brought here on a ship”

Bio with

Mark Barnum

By Adriene Rockwell Photos: Above left, by Jerry Bowles, right, by Malcolm Slight Mark Barnum is a tugboat captain on the San Francisco Bay, but when his ship comes in he’ll be a bar pilot.

Any vessel entering or departing the Bay with 5,000 long tons of cargo must be escorted by a tugboat, and Barnum is often the one at the helm. His employer is Baydelta Maritime, a privately owned company berthed part time in Benicia’s port, specializing in tanker escorts and assists. The company is known for its high kip rating (a kip is 1,000 pounds of braking force) and bollard pull (a way of measuring towing power). “Ships play such a huge part in our lives that we don’t even know. About 90% of everything that passes through your hands has been brought here on a ship,” he says.

It’s been 6 ½ years since Barnum first started as a deckhand. He worked his way up from there, taking classes and passing exams to become a captain.

“When you start from the bottom without a formal education, you’re called a ‘hawsepiper,’ and then there are the ‘academy guys,’” he explains.

Barnum is one hawsepiper who loves his job.

“I get to see a part of the world people don’t see. It’s pretty sweet out on the water,” said Barnum, who works seven days on, and seven days off. His shifts are 12 hours. “I’m awake at really odd hours at night so I get to see totally amazing celestial formations. I’ve seen any kind of wildlife—whales, porpoises, fish, birds, owls.” He also sees people swimming and kayaking.

Barnum is working towards becoming a bar pilot like his father-in-law, whom he calls his “ship handling guru,” and who has been serving as a bar pilot for a record breaking 33 years. The highly paid position guards the safety of the Bay and requires years of command time, sharp navigation skills and extensive maritime examinations.

This work is a far cry from Barnum’s literature studies at UC Davis, where he was also an active member of the cycling team. He met his wife on that team before he got more serious, eventually touring Europe on a professional team based in Luxembourg. Love pulled him back to California where he got married and settled down in Benicia. His wife, Brooke, works full time as a lawyer in San Ramon. And when he’s not on the Bay, Barnum is a stay-at-home dad for their two year-old daughter, Maude. For fun, he rides his BMX bike at the Benicia skate park and loves to read books about California history.

What is a Bar Pilot?

According to sfbarpilots.com/ who-we-are, “Every day, the state-licensed Bar Pilots navigate commercial ships to and from the nine ports within San Francisco Bay and the Port of Monterey. These vessels include oil tankers, container ships and cruise ships, many of which are much larger than the 853 foot tall Transamerica Building.

With extreme care, the Bar Pilots deliver passengers, agricultural products, manufactured goods and hazardous materials throughout the Bay as far south as Redwood City, and as far inland as the Ports of Stockton and Sacramento. The San Francisco Bar Pilots were established and placed under State authority in 1849 during the first legislative session of the new State of California. Today, Bar Pilots are licensed and regulated by the Board of Pilot Commissioners. With few exceptions, California requires all commercial ships calling in the Bay to have a Bar Pilot in control of navigation. The vast majority of these ships are registered in other countries with foreign crews who have no experience navigating in the San Francisco Bay.”

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B AC KW ARD S G LAN C E

Benicia’s Butter Business

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By Elizabeth d’Huart, Executive Director, BHM Photo courtesy Benicia Historical Museum Benicia’s Butter Business According to our research, the Western Creamery’s farewell luncheon was held on-site June 30, 1927, heralding the official closure of this once profitable business. The new owners, Dairy Dale Creamery, closed the plant, requiring the 15 remaining employees (down from the 40 or so of yesteryear) to look for other positions.

The photo documenting the closure event was obscured by handwritten notes, so I opted for this one instead, which features the creamery ladies dazzlingly outfitted in similar white dresses, aprons, and mob caps, calling to mind the stylized country milkmaids of long ago. The men are also in white; I’m presuming that the gentleman with a bow tie could be the manager. The creamery’s receiving station—one of 40 situated throughout California—was located on the Benicia waterfront, and the plant was supplied with milk via steamers from approximately 200 dairies along the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers.

The Creamery produced Isleton Brand butter, “perhaps the best butter in the state” according to the book Great Expectations by Richard S. Dillon, and the most expensive. Their motto, “Made today, sold tomorrow,” would seem to justify a higher cost. At its height, the plant produced 3,000,000 pounds of butter a year and was the largest creamery west of Denver. The company survived damage from the 1906 earthquake, and both a fire and the collapse of its loading wharf due to an infestation of Atlantic shipworm in 1913, so we can only postulate the reason for its closure. It may have been as a result of the opening of the Carquinez Bridge, which provided both the dairy farmers and creameries easier and less expensive receiving and shipping options. There were other economic factors affecting the country as a whole—the country was sliding towards the 1929 Great Depression, which began with the stock market crash and lasted until 1939. Whatever the reason, it seems a pity we no longer have a hometown butter brand with which to spread our bread.

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A Slice of the Old West and more at

Mankas Corner

By Bob Ecker

Smaller than a hamlet, little Mankas Corner in unincorporated Suisun Valley has a long and colorful history—and is now a hot, happening place. It’s a curious and burgeoning epicenter of excellent wines and wineries, music, food and agritourism.

Located in northern Suisun Valley, just a bit north of I-80 between the Suisun Valley Road and Abernathy Road exits, the juncture called Mankas Corner has long been a crossroads between Napa, Solano and Contra Costa counties.

A LITTLE HISTORY

In 1855, a man named Christley Manka purchased an interest in a rough-hewn tavern and general store. It sat at what became an important crossroads for agricultural and mining operations in the general area. Most importantly, “Mankas Corner” was on the Benicia to Suisun City stagecoach route between Suisun Valley in the south and Berryessa Valley to the north. Over the next forty years, Manka’s store became a popular gathering place, which integrated a bar, community center, blacksmith, Masonic hall and post office. Another stagecoach line stopped at Mankas Corner twice daily on the Benicia to Suisun City run and the return.

For many years, wheat, barley and other grains from Monticello, and what was known as Berryessa Valley in northern Napa County, supplied much of Northern California. During harvest times, huge wagon trains used the Suisun-Berryessa road, travelling through Mankas Corner and then further south to the Port of Suisun City.

Before the completion of Monticello Dam in 1957 and subsequent

flooding of Berryessa Valley, the town of Monticello was a fertile and abundant farming community. Sadly, today Monticello lies at the bottom of Lake Berryessa.

In the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, Mankas Corner was also an important waystation on the main route from the Sulphur Bank Quicksilver (mercury) Mine in Knoxville, located in northeastern Napa County, to San Francisco. Mercury extraction (though extremely hazardous to workers) was a key element in gold and silver processing while also used in the manufacturing of caps for explosives. Later on, mercury was utilized in the production of various weapons, radio electronics, heat gauges and even used in drug production and in dental fillings. In the years between 1864 and 1903, Napa County was one of California’s leading mercury producers. The Sulphur Bank Quicksilver Mine finally closed for good in 1957, although the old Knoxville Road can still be traced on the western side of Lake Curry, down Gordon Valley Road and on in to Mankas Corner.

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FOOD & WINE

“I like the rural setting … it’s kind of out in the country but still 5 minutes from Fairfield,” says Fairfield resident Barry Ruffino. “It’s not pretentious or crowded like Napa. I like the whole atmosphere plus I enjoy the $5 Tuesday specials at Mankas Corner Steakhouse.” Ruffino, who is seemingly at every single Mankas Corner area event, told me, “There are lots of fun wineries like Wooden Valley Vineyards, Seven Artisans Winery, Back Road Wines, the Wine Cooperative and GV Cellars.”

The local Suisun Valley AVA has more than 30 wineries. Local wines are rapidly improving in both quality and quantity. The most notable grape in Suisun Valley may be Petite Syrah, but other varietals thrive in Suisun Valley including Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, as well as various blends such as Meritage.

Mankas Corner Steakhouse is the main, and frankly only fine dining spot around, but visitors will enjoy nearby Il Fiorello Olive Oil Tasting (which, for the cost of the tasting, does a wonderful small-bites pairing), or a stop at Napa Grass Farmer for some delicious grass fed artisan meats.

Ebullient local realtor Mary Reyff is considered the “mayor” of Mankas Corner.

Though an unappointed, ceremonial position, she is a rabid booster of the area.

“This place was a stagecoach stop a hundred and fifty years ago and today everybody is family here” said Reyff. “There truly is a sense of local camaraderie in this area, and music is one source of continual enjoyment.” She is one of many who come to hear musicians join in on Tuesday night jam sessions at Mankas Corner Steakhouse. Others of note include Seven Artisans Winery, which hosts fun bands every Saturday afternoon, and Wooden Valley, offering Friday night events all summer long.

Solano County had many defunct little communities such as Collinsville, Batavia, Tremont, Denverton, Silveyville, Binghampton and Maine Prairie, but tiny Mankas Corner remains a viable stop. Come experience Mankas Corner and environs yourself—have a glass of wine, a little food and hear some fine local music in a living slice of the old west.

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Photos: Page 16, Il Fiorello Olive Oil Company; page 17 clockwise from top left: the Charlie Wade Blues Band at Seven Artisans Winery; Steak dinner at Mankas Steakhouse; barrel tasting at Suisun Valley Winery; "Uncorked" at Il Fiorello Olive Oil Co.; Mankas Steakhouse Brew Festival; courtesy photos

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Increasing Bikeability Offers Riders Many Choices

BY BETH STEINMANN

BENEFITS OF BIKING — Get a full-body workout that includes cardio and is low-impact on the joints — Explore new parts of town — Bond with loved ones and family through bike trips to cool destinations — Challenge yourself mentally to ride longer distances and increase your time — Enjoy the fresh air, sunshine and wind on the face — Let the rhythm of riding be a meditation — Interface with your community in a new way — Cut down on miles driven in your car and save money on gas — Experience health benefits for mind, body and spirit Photos: Bike lane on Rose Drive,

by Jerry Bowles; Inset: Benicia Bike Club by Elizabeth Rice

18 • Benicia Magazine

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t’s speculated that the bicycle was invented out of necessity, after a massive horse die-off in the “endless winter” of 1816, when the entire northern hemisphere was affected by climate abnormalities. Velocipede, dandy horse and Laufmaschine (German for “running machine”) were among the names of the first bicycle prototype of the early 1800s. These were effectively “scoot-bikes” without pedals, which were propelled by one’s own feet. They weighed about 50 pounds, had a steering bar that attached directly to the center of the front wheel, and behind it, a cushioned armrest for the forearms.

It must have been quite a feat of strength and balance to safely steer these machines through cobblestone streets and across uneven country terrain, and they were banned from many cities as accidents increased. All manner of human-propelled experiments followed, with varied wheel, seat, pedal and hand-crank configurations, including the iconic high wheel bicycle.

In its first 50 years, the bicycle was so cumbersome and impractical that it was mostly relegated to rich, able-bodied men (hence the name “dandy horse”). But the 1880s were a pivotal decade in this machine’s evolution.

The first “safety bike” was the most anatomically similar to the modern bike with pedals centered between the two wheels and a chain for rearwheel steering. It became an accessible mode of transportation outside society’s upper echelons and revolutionized the lives of many, particularly women. Susan B. Anthony famously said, “Let me tell you what I think of bicycling. I think it has done more to emancipate women than anything else in the world. It gives women a feeling of freedom and self-reliance.”

If Anthony were around today, she may have been surprised to learn that when it comes to riding, there is still large gender gap in the U.S. According to the League of American Bicyclists, in 2009, women accounted for just 24% of total bike trips in the U.S (bikeleague.org/ womenbike). Data analyzed by three of the country’s largest bike sharing companies showed female ridership was lowest in urban business areas, and during the week. Writing for sightline.org in 2012, Jennifer Langston asked why. She said, “You hear many theories: we’re less willing to ride in traffic, we can’t arrive at a showerless office all sweaty, we never bothered to learn how to fix a flat, our schedules are over-extended, we work longer hours to make the same money as men, those of us with kids spend twice as much time on average caring for them, and many of us squeeze in shopping and errands on the way to and from work.” Studies show that female urban bike traffic increases on the weekends, presumably with less traffic, more time to plan bikeable errands and the option of riding purely for pleasure and exercise.

Benicia has been engaged in an effort to increase bikeability across all demographics since 2014, when the Community Sustainability Commission started collecting data on the challenges and benefits of biking in town. With downtown’s mostly flat and wide streets, lower speed limits and connections to the State Park and Bay Area Ridge Trail, downtown biking has an obvious appeal. Commuting to and from Southampton brings the added challenge of large hills, which can be conquered by an electric bike or searching out routes that avoid the steepest hills. Travelling to and from the Industrial Park is made possible by bike lanes on East Second Street.

Bike lanes on both the Benicia-Martinez and Carquinez Bridge connect Benicia to the greater Bay Area, increasing its appeal to serious bikers and those hearty few who bikecommute outside of town.

With age comes wisdom, and as the bicycle nears its bicentennial anniversary, its many types, styles and functions may finally be diverse enough to meet any would-be rider where they’re at. Whether your heart’s desire is to hop on a beach cruiser and leisurely meander the marina, hitch a trailer to the back to transport kids and groceries, take double-bridge rides with the Benicia Bike Club or compete in a race, there is a bike for you.

That “feeling of freedom and self-reliance” remains available to all.

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 19

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Measure S BOND Generates Enthusiasm & Upgrades at BUSD

By Charles Young, Ph. D., Superintendent, BUSD Photos courtesy of BUSD Since my first submission in July of last year, a great deal of outstanding work has occurred throughout the District. Three of our elementary schools were recognized as Gold Ribbon Schools (the 4th school was recognized two years ago), our music and sports programs continue to thrive and the overall educational experience for students continues to improve, reflecting research and trends in public education. As always, our focus is to ensure our schools are safe and welcoming, student-centered and forward thinking as we prepare our students to thrive in the 21st Century.

A particular area of work that is generating a great deal of enthusiasm, and which is designed to enhance the overall learning environment for students, centers on our efforts with Measure S and the completion of our Facilities Master Plan. Approval of the Measure S Bond has initiated an exciting process, resulting in a number of improvements throughout the District. We are grateful to our community for investing in the infrastructure of our schools, which in turn directly contributes to the success of our students through enhanced 21stcentury learning spaces. As a reminder, the four primary areas of the Bond include modernization and technology upgrades; health, safety and security improvements; infrastructure improvements and student support facilities.

In early March, the completion of our District Wide Facilities Master Plan brought to fruition the cumulative efforts of the BUSD community. We used a robust process to solicit input, holding multiple meetings at each school site, meetings monthly with the Facilities Steering Committee and quarterly with the Bond Oversight Committee, open house presentations held at the District Office, and a special Board study session to thoroughly discuss all aspects of the plan. The plan was then brought to the March 3rd Board meeting for further discussion and approval.

The plan works as a tool to identify and prioritize needed facilities improvement projects across the district. This document will continue to be updated annually, facilitating our eligibility for more state monies as they become available. Project boards are posted in the district office and the full report is available on our website. You will note the priority areas for the master plan, which include critical portable replacement projects, learning spaces and modernization projects, high impact education environment projects and education support projects.

A key feature we wanted to ensure was woven tightly into the Facilities Master Plan (accessed at beniciaunified.org) is the element of futuristic thinking in relation to learning spaces for students. We are exploring innovative furniture designs, placement of technology and the foundations of flexibility in how we utilize classroom space to maximize the teaching and learning experience.

While there is efficiency to the old design of desks neatly lined in rows with the teacher positioned in front of students, this model can be limiting to the overall learning experience.

We are excited to note that we have made substantial progress among many of the major projects supported by the bond.

Completed bond projects have improved facilities throughout the district, including roof replacements at Benicia Middle School and Mary Farmar Elementary, upgrades to playgrounds and sports fields, and technology infrastructure and phone system improvements at all locations.

New playground at Matthew Turner

New playground at Mary Farmar

20 • Benicia Magazine

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Bond projects that are currently in progress include robust improvements to safety and security systems throughout the district, including camera security and fire alarm systems as well as public address equipment, and the BHS Stadium track and field complex. The stadium project is moving along nicely and we are scheduled to break ground this summer.

In our ongoing effort to keep everyone informed of our progress, we are committed to providing regular updates on our website, utilizing publications such as this one, and posting signs at each school site illustrating completed projects and works in progress.

A great deal of exciting work will be taking place over the next several years, and we appreciate the community's interest and continued support.

Thank you again to our community for making these improvements possible. The results will yield great assets, not just to our children but also to our community at large.

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INTERVIEW WITH

Greg Andrada

By Sue Sumner Moore Photo by Malcolm Slight On a Tuesday afternoon in late April, Greg Andrada is in demand.

Customers are flowing into the bike and skateboard shop that he owns with his wife, Joy. A father arrives cradling a toddler in one arm and a damaged bike tire in the other. One customer wants to know how to coat the inside of a bike tire with a particular type of valve; another is looking for a more comfortable bike seat. A mom chooses a skateboard for her son’s 11th birthday.

The conversations flow with each transaction. “It’s a small town. You get to know people, you really make relationships,” Greg says.

Greg and Joy began building those relationships when they opened Wheels in Motion in October of 1991. They credit each other for the First Street shop’s success.

“He likes to talk and I’m the opposite,” Joy says.

“This place wouldn’t operate without her.

We definitely have our traits that make it work,” Greg adds.

Greg and Joy moved to Benicia in the late 1980s and have three children ages 7 through 24. Greg was working in customer service for USAir when they opened the shop. He continued at the airline for the first three years of Wheels in Motion.

The business began as a rollerblade shop and now carries skateboards, bicycles and related gear. Greg, 51, also repairs and fits bikes at the shop. Their oldest child, Chase, specializes in skateboards and Joy does the books.

The shop name remains the same even though inventory has changed over the years. “Everything we did ended up having wheels, so it works,” Greg says.

Did they choose the name Wheels in Motion with a long-term business plan in mind?

Greg doubles over in laughter at the question. “Did we ever plan anything?” he asks Joy. “It just goes. We listen to what people need and that’s worked this long.”

How did you go from working for an airline to owning your own business?

I had a friend who was a co-worker (at the airline) and he had a surf shop in Pacifica. I asked him, “How do you do all this?” and he said, “It’s easy.” We could do shift changes easily, so we could make it all work.

Rollerblades were the hot thing back then and we liked to rollerblade, so we started with that. Then we noticed that skateboards were popular here, so we started selling skateboards.

When did you add bicycles to the mix?

We were always doing repairs for the kids. This is a small town, and it got out by word of mouth, kids telling their friends, “He’ll do it for you.” Then we started selling used bikes. Finally we picked up the Specialized line in the early 2000s.

Have you always repaired bikes?

When I was growing up in Oakland, my house was the repair station. I fixed flats and did little repairs with my dad’s tools. He’d get mad at me for using his tools and leaving them out.

Did you always do distance cycling?

Heck no—no way. That’s just in the last few years.

No, I rode just for recreation before that. I always had a mountain bike. As a kid, I had a BMX. Then I started doing longer distances, increased the miles and got a better bike (grinning widely as he thinks of the bike he got this spring).

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Now I’m training for the Death Ride in July. The official name is the Tour of the California Alps. So I’m adding more miles to my rides. If I’m not riding, I’m running. A lot of people have done it. About 90 percent of them say it’s difficult, about 5 percent say it’s fun and another 5 percent say I’m crazy to be doing this.

What do you get out of bicycling?

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I think I get a lot. It’s not just physical, it’s a stress reliever. You feel the wind in your face and you go, “Aahhhhh.” It’s a good feeling.

What’s been your biggest bike adventure over the years?

There’ve been so many that I can’t remember. One night we had a ride with nine flats. Caltrans had just weed-whacked the bridge and all the stuff blew onto the side and we had nine flats. We ended up finishing the ride, but it took longer than it normally does.

What gear do you carry when you’re taking a ride?

I don’t try to really carry too much if I’m not going over 60 miles. I have an emergency kit, a bottle of water and snacks.

The repair kit has an inner tube, a CO2 inflator and a multi-tool.

What advice would you give a recreational cyclist who wants to become a distance cyclist?

In VALLEJO

What does a bicycle fitting entail?

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Start slow. Don’t try to over-exert yourself. Slowly build to longer distances. Make sure you have the proper equipment for flats and other emergencies. Get your bike properly fitted.

I do a whole bike fit here. It takes about an hour. We start at the foot, where the pedal meets the foot. We adjust the seat height and make forward and aft adjustments, adjust the tilt, adjust the handlebars. I use levels and lasers to make sure it fits like it should, and I put them on a trainer and watch them ride to make sure everything is right.

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

I always wanted to be self-employed. I didn’t like working for other people. I’m not lazy, I like to work. But there are some things, things like red tape, that come with other jobs. I have my own ideas about how I want to do things. I always wanted the businesses I was working for to succeed and I felt we were wasting a lot when I worked for others.

What do you do to relax?

We do family stuff. We go boating. You have to recreate yourself somehow. Sundays are our fun days. The store is closed. We start off with church. You know, God is good to us.

We are very thankful.

After church, we do our family stuff, visit Joy’s mom in Alameda. It’s a busy day.

What’s been the biggest surprise about owning the shop?

How time flies. Especially when you’re having fun. It’s been almost 25 years and it went just like that (snaps his fingers).

It’s been a fun ride.

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 23

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TRENDS

U p, Up

By Christina Strawbridge I have never been one for bucket lists. It seems as if my life has been made up of plenty of adventures here at home and around the world. If I were to make a list of travels it would include Egypt and the pyramids, China and the Great Wall and perhaps flying in a vintage biplane over the Pacific Ocean.

Pismo Beach, California remains a small beach town of the past on the Central Coast, where the 101 Freeway meets the Pacific Coast Highway, south of San Luis Obispo. Twenty years ago, my husband and I bought a vacation home in Pismo Heights. The house, cantilevered over a cliff, giving us a great view of the canyons and the ocean, had been in foreclosure. It was a bit frightening when you looked down and realized none of the house was built on ground. This is where I had seen a yellow biplane for the first time as it circled the hills around our house, and sometimes did a flip and roll over the blue Pacific.

As time went on we sold the scary house on the cliff, buying and selling a few more fixer uppers, and moved closer to the beach. Pismo has a great, wide beach that is perfect for running, dog walking, parasailing, and … taking a biplane ride. It was a spontaneous decision to go for it on a sunny Sunday afternoon. Googling biplane rides, I found the Banner Airways website that read: “The Pier and Dunes Tour, a fun scenic flight over the blue Pacific Ocean. Fly north to view Pismo Beach’s diamondshaped pier, which extends 1,100 feet out into the ocean.

Watch surfers ride the waves near the pier. A nice, fun, scenic flight for all ages, young or old. Rides starting at $225

and Away .. .

first person, if two fly together add $125. Let’s fly! 30 minutes with briefing and flight: minimum 15 minutes flight time.”

Another tour they offered was longer and more expensive, taking the passengers over the famous Oceano Dunes, where four-wheeling and car driving is still allowed.

It was also the location for the filming of the movie "The Ten Commandments," directed by Cecil B. De Mille in 1923.

Supposedly, De Mille just covered the entire set with sand after filming. It is believed that portions of the set still remain, buried under almost 100 years of cream-colored sand.

Since cost is always a factor, we chose the less expensive option and booked the flight. Banner Airways is run by J. R. Smith, a veteran pilot who seemed enthusiastic to take us for a ride. The plane was a 1943 yellow Boeing Super Stearman, which was the same one I had seen over 20 years ago. Boeing Stearmans were used during World War II as primary trainers for fighter and bomber pilots of all stages. Stearmans are fitted with R-985, 450 horsepower Pratt and Whitney Wasp engines. After the war they were typically used for air show performers who wing-walked; and aerobatics consisting of 5 maneuvers: lines (horizontal and vertical), loops, rolls, spins and hammerheads. Stearmans were also used extensively for farming as dusters and sprayers.

Before heading to the open cockpit, Scott and I were each fitted with a leather jacket, helmet, goggles and a life jacket.

We were instructed that flights over the Pacific Ocean require a hands-on life jacket (Mae West) briefing. Communication between us had to do with hand gestures like thumbs up or down, or if we were in trouble, a waving hand. We were told what to do if the pilot had to make an emergency landing on the beach or in the middle of the ocean, and in which direction to swim. Our only question was: Had he ever had a crash landing? His "Are you kidding?" response made us feel a little better, but as we sat side by side (more like squashed side by side), unable to hear anything but the Pratt & Whitney engine, I wondered, whose idea was this?!

The little yellow plane took off and headed for the Pismo Pier, flying right over our house. The pilot was directly behind us, navigating and describing over the radio the area that we know and love so well. As we climbed higher over the ocean, he asked if we would like to do a loop and roll, and both of us gave a big thumbs down in unison. Not this time, not this bucket list.

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4. Camellia Tea Room, 828 First Street 5. Bookshop Benicia, 636 First Street

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10. Lindsay Art Glass, 109 East F Street

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9. Sandoval’s, 640 First Street

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8. Studio 41, 700 First Street

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Putting the HUMAN TOUCH back into travel planning

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Thanks and Congratulations

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June 2016 Events

Photos courtesy Northern California Pirate Festival

Benicia Farmers Market

6/2, 9, 16, 23, 30; 4-8pm First & D Streets, Benicia Benicia Main Street draws many people to its popular Farmers Market, offering fresh fruits and vegetables, baked goods, gourmet food, delicious hot foods, arts and crafts, live entertainment, and face painting. Every Thursday through October.

Beniciamainstreet.org 707.747.9791

Ghost Walk

6/3 & 6/17, 8-10pm First Street, Benicia Paranormal history of Downtown Benicia is discovered on this fun, interactive tour led by a paranormal expert. Space is limited. Prepaid reservations are required by calling Benicia Main Street.

Beniciamainstreet.org 707.747.9791

14th Annual Verismo Opera Presents Gianni Schicchi Peggy Sue Car Show and Cruise and Pagliacci Bay Area Stage Theater 515 Broadway Street, Vallejo 6/2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 18; 7:30pm 6/5, 12, 19; 2pm Enjoy a comedic romp through Gianni Schicchi with a cunning con artist that tricks the greedy Donati family who try to gain control of their dying relative’s estate. Laugh and weep with Canio, the clown, over the tragedy of a starcrossed love triangle in Pagliacci. Both operas are full of gorgeous and well-known music, such as: O mio babbino caro and Vesti la giubba (the clown who cries behind his makeup).

Verismoopera.org 707.864.5508

6/11, 8am-4pm Sally’s Tomatoes 1400 Valley House Drive, Rohnert Park Cruise 5:30-8:30pm in downtown Santa Rosa Over 700 neat and shiny classic cars will be in attendance, along with food, beer and wine, children’s activities and a live band. Presented

by St. Joseph Health, Santa Rosa Memorial Center for Bone & Joint Health.

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Berkeley World Music Weekend

6/11 & 6/12, 10am-9pm Telegraph Avenue near Haste Street, Berkeley Celebrate the Bay Area’s multi-cultural tapestry in song, dance and craft. Talented musicians have prepared a wonderful party. Local folks running community and artisan booths add to the festivities. Enjoy a mix of outdoor and intimate performances in or in front of Telegraph Avenue cafes and Amoeba Music’s acclaimed concert in People’s Park with village arts and activities. Pick up a map and schedule at the info booth on Telegraph Ave at Haste Street or download online.

Berkeleyworldmusic.org 510.995.6134

Benicia Art Walk

6/11, 3-6pm First Street, Benicia Enjoy strolling First Street and visiting six different galleries identified by the Benicia Art Walk Banner. This is the first Art Walk of the season, which takes place JuneOctober. Sponsored by visitbenicia.org and downtownbeniciaalliance.com.

Facebook.com/BeniciaArtWalk

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Orchard Work Day

6/15, 6-8pm Benicia Community Gardens Heritage Presybtarian Church 1400 East 2nd Street, Benicia Lend a hand at Benicia Community Gardens’ monthly orchard workday! An hour or two of your time will help insure the orchard remains on track for optimal growth and success.

Beniciacommunitygardens.org

Father’s Day

6/18 Do something special to celebrate your father and fathers everywhere!

Wine Walk

6/18, 1-5pm First Street, Benicia Stroll First Street on a beautiful summer afternoon and taste over a dozen wines being poured inside downtown shops.

Beniciamainstreet.org 707.747.9791

10th Annual Northern California Pirate Festival Movie Night Under the Stars: Minions 6/18 & 6/19, 10am-6pm Vallejo Waterfront, 289 Mare Island Way Featuring over 500 costumed actors, crafters and musicians, the Northern California Pirate Festival is the largest pirate event in the United States. Produced by a group of theatrical and outdoor event professionals, the annual fest is equal parts Mardi Gras, state fair, living history, and Pegged-leg eye-patch-wearin’ fan fest that appeals to children and adults alike. With four stages of continuous entertainment, rows of nautically inspired handcrafts, gourmet foods, micro-brewed beers, and ship to shore canon battles, visitors will encounter proper British Naval Officers to alluring mythical mermaids throughout the streets.

Norcalpiratefestival.com

6/24, 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 welcome; 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

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

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AMERICAN PACIFIC MORTGAGE We are passionate about Homeownership

Buchanan I Chun Orthodontics

Alan M. Schwartzman Branch Manager

DRE 00681649/01215943 NMLS 238622/1850

ams@advancedmtg.com

Mitchell S. Chernock Sales Manager

DRE 00583404/01215943 NMLS 236204/1850

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

300 Military West, Suite 306

BENICIA 707.745.2525

140 Admiral Callaghan Lane, Suite A

VALLEJO 707.643.1011

Orthodontic Specialists

707. 746. 4920 Lic. by Dept. of Corp. under the CRMLA

615 First Street Benicia, CA 94510

advancedmtg.com

www.mybraces.com

30 • Benicia Magazine

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LK A W , SIP OP! H S &

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un J y a d r u t a Ages 21 and older S Stroll Downtown Benicia from shop to shop, tasting fine wines for an enjoyable afternoon to “sip, walk, and shop” with friends.

$30 advance/ $35 day of event $55 Advance for two tickets includes souvenir wine glass Tickets at Benicia Main Street, 90 First Street, and online at

BeniciaMainStreet.org • 707.745.9791

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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Celebrating 25 Years

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

“Affordable Quality Cabinets and their design team helped us solve layout issues to get all of the items we wanted in our kitchen. We are very impressed with the quality of the cabinets, attention to detail and customer service.”

—Lisa G.

AFFORDABLE QUALITY Cabinets and Countertops Open Mon. - Fri. 9-5 weekends & evenings by appointment 4852 East 2nd Street, Benicia Contractor's License # 687979

707-745-2100 aqc@aqchome.com June BenMag Vol11 v7.indd 32

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